HEALTHY HOME
Wellbeing trends for the bedroom
We spend around a third of our lives asleep. But once you factor in the likes of TVs, laptops and phones, the time we spend in our bedrooms can be considerably more than that, so it makes sense to ensure this space is as healthy and relaxing as possible. First, let’s consider the room’s key role – a calming and restorative place to recuperate. Sleep is so fundamental to our wellbeing, productivity and relationships – the average adult should get between seven and nine hours sleep per night, but many of us get significantly less. Technology has slowly crept into the bedroom and can affect us in all sorts of negative ways. In general, a good rule is to limit screen time directly before bed, as the blue light can disrupt our circadian rhythms. The simplest option is to leave the phone downstairs and get a real alarm clock, while dimmable or colour-changing (or circadian) lighting is ideal for keeping our sleep-wake cycles in check. Control natural light It is, of course, good to maximise light in the daytime, but you may need to limit it in the height of summer. Thick curtains or blackout blinds ensure the morning light doesn’t wake you too early. Privacy is also a must – the bedroom should be a safe space to retreat to without risk of disturbance or feeling overlooked.
Detox your space Consider how you can keep the air as healthy as possible. Use low-VOC materials and finishes such as natural paints, make sure dust is removed, and keep perfumes and aerosols in the bathroom. Floorstanding air-filter units can also help to remove toxins. Some plants (think snake plants, areca palms and some orchids) can play a part in removing CO2 while producing oxygen at night.
Air quality is affected by the presence of damp. In our sleep, we can release about 40 grams of moisture per hour from our breath, which can cause damp and harmful mould. Control the temperature at night with thermostatic radiator valves, and open doors, windows or trickle vents in the day.
Calming colour schemes Using earthy tones, blues and greens can be a great way to add tranquility and a feeling of freshness. As far as textures go, studies have shown that real timber beds can reduce heart rates at night, and natural patterns can lower stress and have a relaxing effect. Lastly, adding a window seat can maximise exposure to natural light and allow a pleasing view outdoors.